Scarpa Ribelle Run Kalibra ST Review
This week, one of the latest editions to Scarpa’s lineup in our Scarpa Ribelle Run Kalibra ST review. Essentially Scarpa has taken the Ribelle Run Kalibra G and removed the weatherproof gaiter to produce a grippy trail shoe suitable for milder temperatures. This makes the Kalibra ST a much more versatile shoe for use in the UK as the winters are getting milder. So, if you’re not high up in the mountains (where temperatures are lower and the wind chill is higher) or looking for a shoe to get you through the few weeks of arctic weather, that tends to be what we get in the UK each winter, then the ST version of the Kalibra is likely to be a better option for you than the warmer Kalibra G. I also reviewed the Scarpa Ribelle Kalibra G.
The Scarpa Ribelle Run Kalibra ST has a responsive EVA midsole that is 24.5mm in the heel and 20.5mm in the forefoot. This gives a good level of cushioning and underfoot protection without taking away the feel for the ground. So, you can still be nimble on technical or muddy terrain.
A Men’s UK 8 weights 320 grams which feels heavy compared to other lightweight trail shoes but, what you get for this extra 30 grams of weight is a very sturdy, durable and protective shoe. The mesh over the toes is also very breathable which allows the Kalibra ST to be a versatile enough shoe for summer and winter use.
A thick rubber rand runs around the shoe and over the toe box. This protects the upper from being cut by rocks, scree, grit and other trail debri. Which no only protects the foot but, also makes the upper a lot more durable and longer lasting.
The Scarpa Kalibra ST uses the BOA 360 Lacing System with Li2 adjustment. You slip your foot into the shoe push the dial in and turn it clockwise to fasten it. If you have fastened the shoes too tight you can make micro adjustments by turning the dial anti-clockwise. To take your foot out of the shoe you just pull the dial out and it releases the tension on the strings and the shoe can be easily opened.
The BOA 360 Lacing System is different to other BOA lacing systems in that the upper is tightened around the heel as well as over the top of the foot. This is a nice secure fit whatever the volume and shape of your foot in our experience.
The Ribelle Run Kalibra ST used the same last as the Ribelle Run Kalibra G. This is different to the Ribelle Run. There is more volume and width in the upper and the big toe line is must straighter which allows for more foot function. This roomier fit also feel more comfortable on long runs as not only can the foot function more inside the shoes but, it also has room to swell.
The Ribelle Run Kalibra ST is designed to be versatile enough to be used on hard packed trails and soft ground. The outsole has 5-6 mm long lugs made of Scarpa’s Presa rubber. This has a good level of grip on wet surfaces but, is also durable enough to be used on harder tracks and trails without wearing excessively quickly. Which stickier rubber outsole that are often made of softer compounds often do.
The fit and feel of the Kalibra ST makes the shoes feel less fast than the Ribelle Run. The feeling is of protection and security. Ideal for regular training use and longer runs. That said they do run a lot lighter than they look and aren’t a plodding shoe. I found that the forefoot got more flexible with more miles. This is the same as I experienced when running in the Ribelle Run and makes the shoe much nimbler particularly on more broken ground. Where the sole was capable of bending to the curvature of the ground.
The Ribelle Run has a curved, rocker shaped midsole to help maintain cadence and keep reduce how much you might lean forward at the waist. This way you are lighter on your feet and more efficient. The Ribelle Run Kalibra ST has the same midsole shape. Which contributes to how smooth they feel on firmer tracks and trails. The rocker isn’t really noticeable when stood up in the shoes but, definitely helps you cruise a long on the smoother terrain.
The current spell of very wet weather has allowed me to test the versatility of the outsole to he limit. I found that the 5-6 mm lugs weren’t so long that they prevented the Kalibra ST from riding nicely over firm tracks and trails and tarmac. On muddy trails the grip was very good. Water saturated grass fields descending was a little less secure than it would be in a more specific shoe like the Scarpa Spin ST (https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/scarpa-spin-st-review/) . The lugs on the Spin ST are 8mm long and well spaced out to bite into really wet muddy ground and shed any mud. Although this type of outsole is much better on wet muddy ground it isn’t as smooth or comfortable on firmer ground like the outsole of the Kalibra. Which makes the Scarpa Ribelle Run Kalibra ST a much better choice for most trail runners looking for a shoe capable of conquering wet and dry conditions in winter or summer.
To sum up, when November arrives and the trails start to get wetter, customers start to ask for trail running shoes that have cushioning and grip. The Scarpa Kalibra ST offers both and is a great option.
Alternatives to the Scarpa Kalibra ST
Scott Supertrac 3: A less roomy toe box. 8mm heel to forefoot with a rocker that gives a similar smooth ride on hard packed trails. The lugs bite well into soft ground. They aren’t as flexible as the Kalibra ST and lack the feel for the ground. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/scott-supertrac-3-review/
Hoka Mafate Speed 4: A higher stack height with a much bigger foot print and softer cushioning makes these less nimble. There is no ground feel at all but, the 6mm lugs give surprisingly good traction in the mud. They are smooth and cushioned on harder tracks and trails. The fit is roomy for Hoka but, not as roomy as the Kalibra ST. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/hoka-mafate-speed-4-review/
Karhu Ikoni Trail: Good traction on wet trails and smooth on firmer trails. The toe box has a straight big toe which makes them feel roomy and comfortable. The cushioning is softer than most of the Karhu road shoes. This softer midsole absorbs some of the lumps and bumps on the trail. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/karhu-ikoni-trail-review/
Icebug Capra: Exceptionally grippy rubber on the outsole. Firm responsive ride. Straighter big toe line but, narrower in the midfoot. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/icebug-capra-review/
La Sportiva Akasha II: The same 6mm heel to forefoot drop but, as there is no rocker the running action in the Akasha feels a bit different. You are nimbler. The lugs give similar traction on soft ground and still feel comfortable on firmer terrain too. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/la-sportiva-akasha-ii-review/
Topo MTN Racer 3: A broader more rounded toe box allows more foot function. The 5mm long lugs don’t give quite the same traction on softer ground but, are versatile enough to feel comfortable on firmer terrain too. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/topo-athletic-mtn-racer-2-review/
Comments are closed here.